Types of Mouthguards To Protect Your Teeth

Mouthguards in Milford, CT, are used to cover and shield teeth and gums. Custom-made mouthguards are the best for covering teeth compared with over-the-counter mouthguards. Nightguards are mainly helpful in bruxism cases.

Additionally, kids and adults involved in high contact sports and activities are advised to wear mouthguards to protect their teeth. Thus, we can describe mouthguards as dental devices for covering and protecting your teeth and other soft tissues, including the tongue, gums, and cheeks, from injury.

Who Needs a Mouthguard?

Both children and adults can get mouthguards. The pediatric dentist in Milford, CT, may recommend a mouthguard if your child:

  • Grinds teeth or has bruxism
  • Plays contact sports at school, like basketball, hockey, football, soccer, and other games, with a high risk of being hit in the face.
  • Is involved in non-contact activities with a high risk of falling, for example, ice skating, gymnastics, and biking.

It’s advisable to visit the Big Smiles Pediatric Dentistry if your child exhibits symptoms of teeth grinding like jaw pain. If your dentist notices other signs like broken teeth, they may recommend a mouthguard for your child.

If your child has tried mouthguards and still has pain, we advise going back to the dentist for further checkups. You should revisit the dentist, too, if the mouthguard causes discomfort and other issues.

Types of Mouthguards

There are two major types of mouthguards near you: those made for teeth protection from high contact sports and trauma and those made to treat teeth grinding in bruxism patients. Both types of mouthguards are different in appearance and function. They are also different in the way they are fitted. Types of mouthguards in Milford, CT, include:

Custom-fitted Mouthguards

The dentist makes the perfect mouthguards that accentuate your teeth’ shape and size. These also fit very comfortably. Custom-fitted mouthguards are costlier and offer the best fit and teeth protection. Regardless of the need for the mouthguard, your dentist makes a custom-fitting dental device for your exact needs, whether for grinding or for sports. This is also the highest quality mouthguard and effectively protects your teeth and soft tissues.

Boil-and-bite Mouthguards

They use thermoplastic materials that you shape at home for your exact mouth needs. You begin by softening the mouthguards by boiling them in water. Then place the mouthguard in your mouth and use your fingers to press it down in your molars and front teeth. When you are sure it’s in the right position, you then bite down for around 20 minutes. Finally, remove the device and run it into cold water. Repeat the process until the mouthguard is in your best-desired shape.

Modifiable over-the-counter Teeth Guards

These come as adjustable nightguards with easy-slide pieces that you place between your teeth during sleep. They protect from the effects of teeth grinding, such as tooth wear and jaw pain.

Stock Mouthguards
They are purchased from a sports shop or any other utility store and come as one size that fits all. Stock mouthguards are not specifically made for your teeth, so they do not offer a good fit. They are bulky and fit poorly, which may cause breathing difficulties. Of all mouthguard types, stock mouthguards provide the least protection.

Benefits of Wearing a Mouthguard

It can be costly to repair or replace a missing tooth. Putting n a mouthguard protects you during sporting activities and high contact tasks from:

  • Breaking, fracturing r losing your teeth
  • Having nerve damage on the tooth
  • Soft tissue damage on the lips, tongue, cheeks, and gums.

What is the Lifespan of a Mouthguard?

Depending on the frequency your child uses the mouthguard and the degree of wear and tear it receives, custom-made mouthguards can stay with proper care for a couple of years. However, some people may find the need to replace their mouthguards more often. You should visit the pediatric dentist near you more often to check if your mouthguard is cracking or tearing.

Over-the-counter and stock mouthguards are not as durable and may need replacement every few months. Also, children and teens may need to replace their teeth guards more frequently as their teeth mature.

How to Care for Your Mouthguard

Mouthguards can pick up and retain bacteria in your mouth. Therefore, clean your teeth before putting your guard on. Here are a few care tips for mouthguards.

  • Do not expose it to intense heat like sunlight and hot fluids as these can deform it
  • Store it in a sturdy, vented plastic case when not in use.
  • Rinse it in cool water and clean it using soapy water after every use. Leave it to dry by air.
  • Store your mouthguards far from dogs and other household pets